I have worked with my wife, in our own business, since 1988. Basically selling computer hardware, doing service, etc. We're both "techs" and we split the administrative load.
Besides working with my wife, I have several friends that also work with their wives. One couple owns a commercial printing outfit. Another owns a sign shop. Yet another owns a bakery. My observations (below) are based upon what I've experienced working with my own wife, and watching other husband/wife teams (woops, that sounds a little pornographic
).
Almost without exception, I have found guys are better at schmoozing than women. Guys develop relationships very quickly, women more slowly and cautiously.
There are many causes. Society frowns on women that are "too friendly," for one. Being too friendly can be mistaken for being easy. And as long as I'm making wild-assed generalizations, I think women are just naturally more sensitive and introspective than guys.
In business, women tend to be more focused on the bottom line. Guys will manage relationships believing the bottom line will take care of itself. Women will simply manage the bottom line.
Even as a young child I discovered I could punch my best friend in the jaw and ten minutes later he'd give me his last stick of gum. Girls didn't make up nearly so fast even when only slighted and not slugged.
When my parents had dinner guests, my dad was concerned with making sure everyone was having a good time, my mom was worried whether people would like the desert.
Anyway, from time to time I'll have someone complain to me about my wife (not too often, thankfully). Ironically, most complainers are women, and they typically will say something like, "if your weren't as good as you are, I wouldn't keep coming back. Your wife just rubs me the wrong way."
Those almost exact words were spoken to me today. Now, this customer was complaining about a telephone conversation she had with my wife earlier in the day. I heard everything my wife said. And this woman was absolutely holding my wife to a different standard than she would have held me.
I tried calling the woman's attention to differences between herself and her husband (who I also know). I mentioned how outgoing he is and how he has such an easy way with people. I explained how my wife takes 60-80 calls a day, and spending an extra two minutes with each caller would take two more hours each day. She seemed to understand what I was getting at. I asked her if it was fair to characterize a woman that needs to be brief out of necessity with being a you know what.
She seemed to understand what I was driving at.
Am I completely nuts? Am I the only person left that refuses to believe that women and men are exactly the same just because the law says they are equal?
Besides working with my wife, I have several friends that also work with their wives. One couple owns a commercial printing outfit. Another owns a sign shop. Yet another owns a bakery. My observations (below) are based upon what I've experienced working with my own wife, and watching other husband/wife teams (woops, that sounds a little pornographic
).Almost without exception, I have found guys are better at schmoozing than women. Guys develop relationships very quickly, women more slowly and cautiously.
There are many causes. Society frowns on women that are "too friendly," for one. Being too friendly can be mistaken for being easy. And as long as I'm making wild-assed generalizations, I think women are just naturally more sensitive and introspective than guys.
In business, women tend to be more focused on the bottom line. Guys will manage relationships believing the bottom line will take care of itself. Women will simply manage the bottom line.
Even as a young child I discovered I could punch my best friend in the jaw and ten minutes later he'd give me his last stick of gum. Girls didn't make up nearly so fast even when only slighted and not slugged.
When my parents had dinner guests, my dad was concerned with making sure everyone was having a good time, my mom was worried whether people would like the desert.
Anyway, from time to time I'll have someone complain to me about my wife (not too often, thankfully). Ironically, most complainers are women, and they typically will say something like, "if your weren't as good as you are, I wouldn't keep coming back. Your wife just rubs me the wrong way."
Those almost exact words were spoken to me today. Now, this customer was complaining about a telephone conversation she had with my wife earlier in the day. I heard everything my wife said. And this woman was absolutely holding my wife to a different standard than she would have held me.
I tried calling the woman's attention to differences between herself and her husband (who I also know). I mentioned how outgoing he is and how he has such an easy way with people. I explained how my wife takes 60-80 calls a day, and spending an extra two minutes with each caller would take two more hours each day. She seemed to understand what I was getting at. I asked her if it was fair to characterize a woman that needs to be brief out of necessity with being a you know what.
She seemed to understand what I was driving at.
Am I completely nuts? Am I the only person left that refuses to believe that women and men are exactly the same just because the law says they are equal?
LCHIEN
Loring in Katy, TX USA
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